Minneapolis Theft Attorney

If you’ve recently been charged with theft in Minneapolis, Minnesota or its suburbs, the good news is that an experienced criminal defense attorney can do a lot to minimize the impact of theft charges on your life. Minnesota law sets out numerous acts that may constitute theft, including the following:

Physically taking someone else’s property;

Failing to return property to the rightful owner;

Using fraudulent tactics to wrongfully obtain property;

Offering a fraudulent or worthless check;

Stealing services; and

Using a credit or debit card without the owner’s knowledge or authorization.

These acts can result in misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony theft charges. The level of charge depends upon the value of the property taken and other factors. Generally speaking:

Theft of items worth up to $500 often results in a misdemeanor charge.

Theft of property worth between $500 and $1,000 often results in gross misdemeanor charges.

Theft of items worth more than $1,000 usually means you are facing felony charges.

However, certain types of theft are always felony offenses, regardless of the value of the item stolen. For example, check fraud in any amount is a felony-level offense in Minnesota. The level of the charges may also be increased based on the type of property in question: stealing firearms or automobiles will likely result in felony charges.

I have defended hundreds of clients against criminal charges in Hennepin County, and I have extensive experience in all types of theft cases. Because theft charges have the potential to have a serious effect on your life, particularly your employment prospects, I recommend that you contact me today to receive a free initial consultation and advice about how to handle your case.

Effects of a theft conviction on your future

A conviction for any kind of theft offense, even a misdemeanor theft, can adversely affect your life, because thefts are considered crimes of dishonesty. Potential employers, landlords, and others who check your criminal record may view a theft crime as a sign that you are not trustworthy. For these reasons, even a misdemeanor theft conviction can have long-lasting consequences and may cost you opportunities.

How an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense attorney can help

The good news is that a skilled criminal defense lawyer will know how to help you avoid a theft conviction on your record, especially if this is your first offense. In virtually all of the first-time misdemeanor theft cases that I have defended, I have been able to prevent a permanent theft conviction from going on my client’s record. There are also certain probation programs or other sentencing options an attorney can explore to help you avoid a theft conviction.

If you have been charged with theft, please contact my office at 612-730-1738 to discuss your case. I have helped many clients avoid theft convictions stemming from charges in and around Minneapolis, so please contact me for help today.

What one of our clients had to say:

“Josh fought for me & gave me my life back.”

-A.KCriminal Defense Client

Josh Johnson

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If you have been charged with a crime, are considering filing bankruptcy, or have been injured in an accident, please call for a free consultation.